Method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for the application of a cosmetic composition

ABSTRACT

Method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips, in which the applicator includes an application surface made from a material that can become loaded with composition. The method includes the following steps: a) performing a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips, and b) from at least said scan, creating at least part of the applicator or a mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the methods for manufacturing apersonalized applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips.The invention also relates to the personalized applicators thusmanufactured and to the cosmetic treatment methods, notably make-up,that use them.

PRIOR ART

In order to apply make-up to the lips, the usual method is to apply afilm of covering and/or coloring composition using an applicator such asa lip brush or a stick of lipstick, which is moved along the lips inorder to cover the surface thereof. The user can see the effect obtainedbut may be unsatisfied with the result. In particular, if she believesthat the shape of her lips do not suit her, the user remainsdisappointed with the result. This is what happens with individuals who,for example, consider their lips to be too thin, too wide, asymmetric orbadly proportioned with respect to the shape of their face.

Some individuals consider changing the outline when applying thecomposition, but it is extremely difficult not to follow the naturaloutline of the lips. The problem is even greater in individuals who havedifficulty with the application, for example those who have eyesight ormotor skills problems. The difficulty increases further if the color ofthe lipstick is particularly pronounced, particularly if it is dark incolor, and/or if the product is particularly hard-wearing, for examplebeing a formulation said to be «long-lasting». In attempting to modifythe outline, the chances therefore are that the results will beasymmetric, or will extend beyond the natural outline to an exaggerateddegree, thus rendering the result unattractive or even ridiculous.

In any case, whether the individual sticks to the natural outline oftheir lips, or whether they attempt to rectify the outline thereof, theimpression of not achieving an attractive result may drive certainindividuals to give up applying make-up to their lips. Some do not giveup, but take far longer to apply their make-up, attempting to avoid theabove problems. Many will need to resort to successive removals andreapplications of make-up. The procedure is therefore lengthy, irritatesthe mucous membranes and users are driven to applying make-up onlyoccasionally and/or to choosing the most neutral colors possible, thusreducing the benefit of applying lip make-up. The same problems arise inapplying make-up to the eyelids or the cheeks.

Users generally desire a clean lip make-up look, yet at the same timeprefer to use a stick of lipstick. Unfortunately, the latter is illsuited to the creation of clean error-free outlines, and the use of apencil is not always easy especially when not wishing to follow thenatural outline of the lips.

Documents FR 752 860, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,279,781, 2,207,959, FR 663 805,U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,412,073, 3,308,837, 2,735,435, 1,556,744, 2,248,533,2,416,029, 1,944,691, 1,782,911, 2,554,965, 2,199,720, WO 2008/013608,US 2003/209254 and US 2010/0322693 describe how to produce an applicatorthe application surface of which has the predetermined shape of a mouth.This solution makes it possible to create a standard make-up look but issomewhat unsatisfactory because it does not always conform to thethree-dimensional morphology of the lips and therefore leaves regionsuncovered.

One trick may be to pinch the lips together in order to spread productbetween regions in which it is present and other regions in which it isless so, but this action has a tendency to alter the outlines. The riskthen is that once again the product does not follow the Cupid's bow,giving an unsatisfactory appearance. The corners of the lips and theCupid's bow are in fact the hardest regions of the lips to which toapply make-up and to outline. One possibility is to ask a third party,for example a make-up professional, also referred to as a «make-upartist», to create the outline, using a product that leaves a lastingmark, such as tattooing for example. However, in practice, the operationis not readily acceptable because most users do not wish to wear theirlip make-up all of the time.

Application US 2016/000208 describes a make-up applicator forfoundation, comprising a complete 3D mask of the face, an adhesive layerand a layer of composition for transferring the product.

International application WO 2017/053489 describes an applicatorcomprising a first element 100, the shape of which is determined from a3D scan of a target structure, an active agent also being positioned onthe applicator on the basis of a diagnostic scan of the target structure(see the figure, the last paragraph on page 1, lines 23 to 26 of page15, lines 18 and 19 of page 2, and the passage running from line 23 onpage 13 to line 7 on page 14). The active agent may be a lipstick, andmay be prearranged on the element 100, or may be supplied in a suitableform for being applied by the user to the element 100. The element 100may be manufactured using traditional machining methods, or additivemanufacturing methods.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,646,054 describes the creation of a mold from the manualimpression of the mouth of a user, on the basis of which mold anapplicator for the outline of the lips is produced. The form can bereworked to eliminate imperfections. The applicator is used to applylipstick only to the outline of the lips, so as to indicate to the userthe rest of the surface to which to apply the product.

Application FR 3 049 832 describes the creation of a false nail, throughthe manufacture of a mold by 3D printing from a 3D scan of the nail.

Application EP 1 810 594 discloses a method for categorizing lipsaccording to their shape and size characteristics, using an image of thelips, able to generate make-up information in order to correct the lipsof a subject in two dimensions on the basis of a predefined referenceand of information extracted from the image.

Application EP 2 460 435 relates to a face treatment mask intended to befixed on the face of an individual so as to cover their face, having aninterior surface of a shape that conforms to the shape of the face ofthe individual. The method of manufacture uses data taken fromthree-dimensional images of the individual's face.

The article by M. Stevic et al. “Fabrication of personalised lipstickapplicator using 3D printing technology”, published in “TheInternational Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists” conference,2017, describes how to obtain a personalized block of lipstick from amold created by 3D printing following acquisition of the profile of auser's lips using a 3D scan. The chief disadvantage with this method isthat the applicator has a tendency to lose its shape with repeatedapplications to the lips, to the detriment of the precision of themake-up application. In addition, it is awkward to achieve transfer froma block of product without a shearing movement obtained by moving theblock over the skin.

Other solutions have been described in applications WO 2013/045332, FR 2980 345, WO 2013/092726, and FR 2 984 699 for producing an applicatorsuited to the individual morphology of the lips. In order to achievethis, an impression of the user's lips is produced from a record of theoutline of the lips corrected generically, and then a countermold isproduced which will be used as an applicator. The user places theproduct in the countermold, before applying to her lips. Another optionis to deliver the product through the countermold, via a multitude ofholes. This solution constitutes progress, particularly as regards thecleanness and speed of application, but does not allow ideal make-upapplication.

Neither do these solutions allow the applicator to be made available tothe user very quickly. Being able to make the applicators availablequickly is important because that allows the user to be able to checkthe result by conducting one or more tests, particularly in the case ofa desired change to the shape of her made-up lips, but also in the caseof individuals with visual or motor-skills problems or a lack ofexperience. This need is also driven by instances in which the userwishes to make multiple small steps toward the solution that will bestsuit her. It may be advantageous to have several applicators, forexample in instances in which the user has a number of different ideasabout the outline and wishes to try out several results.

The possibility of requesting and quickly obtaining a new applicator isalso attractive. Indeed, when traveling, an individual will sometimesforget to bring some of their make-up. As a result, an individualwishing to present herself with her customary look will find herself ina tricky situation because she will have to choose between not applyingmake-up, or applying make-up using a product available at a sales outletnear where she is. In the latter case, she may not have access to apersonalized applicator and will have to fall back on conventionalproducts such as sticks of lipstick or brush applicators, with the riskof being less successful in achieving her make-up look. Moreover, aperson may lose or damage their applicator.

Users may also wish to swap applicators with one another or demonstratetheir applicator, even though the shape is personalized, in a desire togive or ask advice, particularly of friends or of a make-up artist. Ifthe individual with whom one wishes to share one's applicator is notnearby, the only option at the present time is to take a photograph ofthe result after application and send it to that individual. Therendition is then approximate and the advice somewhat irrelevant. Itwould therefore be beneficial to be able to show the actual object.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

There is therefore a need to create, in a short space of time, anapplicator that is personalized to the desired shape, that yields afaithful and harmonious make-up look according to the user's face,notably following the ideal outline of the lips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention notably seeks to meet this objective and its subject, inone of its aspects, is a method for manufacturing a personalizedapplicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips, thisapplicator comprising an application surface made from a material thatcan become loaded with composition, the method comprising the followingsteps:

a) performing a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of thesurface of the lips, and

b) from at least said scan, creating at least part of the applicator ora mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or byadditive manufacturing.

The scan of the topography of the lips may include the scan of a regionof skin extending around the mouth, and preferably excludes the scan ofother regions of the face, such as the nose, the cheeks, the eyes or theforehead.

According to another of its aspects, a subject of the invention is amethod for manufacturing a personalized applicator for applying aproduct, notably make-up product, to keratinous materials, notably thelips, comprising an application surface, the method comprising thefollowing steps:

a) applying to a surface of the keratinous materials of an individual acomposition that modifies the appearance thereof,

b) performing an optical acquisition of the topography of the surfacethus covered and of at least one image providing information as to thelocation of the composition, and

c) from this acquisition creating the applicator or a mold intended forthe manufacture thereof.

The topography may be obtained by a 3D scan of the surface covered withcomposition, notably by projecting structured light onto said surface orby performing a photogrammetric acquisition. The image providinginformation as to the location of the composition may be a photograph ofthe mouth of the individual, for example taken using the same device asthe one used for the acquisition of the topography.

The invention makes it possible to achieve a professional-qualitymake-up look oneself, on a surface of the lips, thanks to amorphological applicator tailor-made to suit the user.

The personalized applicator according to the invention in particularmakes it possible to define the mouth perfectly, and to color it evenly,if desired.

Acquisition and Reworked Surface

The outline of the application surface of the applicator may correspondto the natural outline of the lips.

In an alternative, the outline of the application surface diverges fromthe natural outline of the lips in order, for example, to correct adefect or to change the appearance of the made up lips.

Either one of the aforementioned methods may involve creating an outlinewhich differs from the natural outline of the scanned lips, notably adifferent shape of Cupid's bow and/or a different height and/or adifferent width. It is thus possible to define the outline that bestsuits the user, having a shape considered to be ideal, for example usinga lip pencil. This outline may be created during the application of theaforementioned composition and/or using software.

Either one of the methods may thus comprise a step involving generatinga reworked 3D surface from the data derived from the acquisition of thetopography of the surface, notably using image processing software.

What is meant by a «reworked 3D surface», is a surface the shape and/oroutline of which has been modified by comparison with the naturalsurface the topography of which was acquired.

Either one of the methods may comprise the generation of a reworked 3Dsurface different than the natural surface of the lips, the applicatoror the mold used for its manufacture having a shape given at least inpart by this reworked surface.

The invention makes it possible to offer a make-up result with a cleanoutline, improving the harmony of the face. The invention also offers away of applying make-up very quickly, in a single gesture, and anywhere,even without a mirror, for example in the car or at the office.

The invention allows make-up to be applied in bright colors and/or usinga long-lasting composition without risk, even on a daily basis becausethe personalized applicator makes it possible to avoid the failures thatoccur when this type of product is applied using known applicators.

The personalized applicator according to the invention makes it possibleto redefine the outline of the lips, providing a remodeling effect, andcan therefore be used by individuals whose outline has becomeindefinite, notably as a result of the ageing of skin, and who no longerdare to apply make-up.

The invention also offers the possibility of applying lip make-up in thestyle of somebody else, for example a star with an iconic smile.

The reworked surface may diverge from the natural surface of the lipsinside the outline thereof, in the order to leave a space between theapplication surface and the scanned lips when the applicator is appliedto the lips in the normal way. This space may serve to accommodate aself-expanding composition as will be detailed later on.

The reworked surface may coincide with the natural surface of the lipsresulting from the scan, except for its outline which differs from thenatural outline of the scanned lips, in order to modify the outline ofthe made up lips.

In order to perform the 3D scan it is possible to use any 3D scannercapable of capturing the volume and the dimensions of the zoneconcerned. For preference, use is made of a 3D scanner able also tocapture the color and appearance of the zone concerned, so as to acquireone or more images providing information as to the location of thecomposition.

The 3D scan is advantageously a scan produced by projecting fringes oflight, but any other structured light is possible.

Either one of the methods according to the invention may comprise a stepinvolving giving the user the option to choose between at least twomake-up results, the reworked surface being generated at least on thebasis of this choice, for example automatically using software.

Either one of the methods may comprise a step involving allowing a userto model a surface obtained from the 3D scan, notably the outlinethereof, and thus generate the reworked surface. The modelling may beperformed remotely using software from a workstation to which the datarepresentative of the 3D scan have been transmitted over atelecommunications network, notably over the Internet or by GSM/GPRS.This remote workstation is, for example, that of a make-up artist.

Thus, either one of the methods may involve establishing a remoteconnection to a third party providing a model to propose to theindividual whose lips have been scanned according to the physiognomy ofthis individual, for example using an Internet based video-telephonyplatform.

Either one of the methods may involve detecting, notably automaticallyusing software, asymmetry of the lips and/or the face; the calculationof the reworked surface may be performed, preferably automatically, atleast with consideration to the detected asymmetry.

Either one of the methods may involve outlining, preferablyautomatically, the lips from at least one image thereof. A curve derivedfrom the outlining, and known as a «spline», may be created, notablyhaving at least 10 control points, and better, at least 20 controlpoints. If appropriate, an operator is allowed to modify the location ofthese control points, for example by working on an on-screen depictionof the lips.

Either one of the methods may involve determining a plurality of pointson the natural outline of the lips, notably from at least one imagethereof, and estimating the natural outline of the lips by interpolationbetween these points.

Either one of the methods may involve determining a plurality of pointson the outline of the reworked surface, notably from at least one imageallowing an operator visually to position points through which he wishesthe outline to pass, and generating at least part of the outline of thereworked surface by interpolation between these points.

Either one of the methods may involve displaying the natural surface ofthe scanned lips and/or a make-up result obtained with the applicatorand/or the reworked surface.

Either one of the methods may involve displaying at least a portion ofthe face of the individual with a simulation of the lip make-up such ascan be obtained with the personalized applicator. Thus, the individualfor whom the applicator is intended may monitor the progress of theoperations, thus allowing her to satisfy herself of the correct resultas early on as possible and, if necessary, ask to make corrections.

Prior Application of a Composition

The 3D scan may advantageously be preceded, as mentioned hereinabove, bythe application to the lips of the composition according to a definedoutline. This outline may correspond to the natural outline of the lips,notably when there is no wish to modify this with the make-up. In analternative, this outline corresponds to that of the application surfacethat is to be created, which differs from the natural outline of thelips.

The surface to which the composition is applied may extend over at leastpart of the lips and/or over at least part of the skin around the lips,notably when it is a matter of correcting the natural outline of thelips.

The composition is preferably applied in such a way as to redefine theoutline of the lips.

The composition may overspill onto the skin at least at one point. As analternative or in addition, the composition is applied to at least oneplace that is set back from the natural outline of the lips. Thecomposition may be applied in such a way as to redefine the Cupid's bowand/or as to modify the height of the lips, the width of the lips and/orcorrect a symmetry.

The composition may be a lipstick, notably a white lipstick. Such acolor may make it easier to acquire the topography and/or to visualizethe outline of the composition, notably for the purposes of automaticoutlining. The composition is preferably of a color that exhibits apronounced contrast with the rest of the face, so that the outline ofthe region to which the composition has been applied can be capturedeasily. The composition preferably has good enough coverage that thenatural outline of the lips does not show through it.

The composition is preferably of a matte appearance, thereby reducingthe incidence of unwanted reflections. In an alternative in which acomposition with a gloss appearance is used, optical means such aspolarizers may be used during acquisition in order to reduce brightness.In yet another alternative form, the lips are covered with a fine coatof a mattifying product, such as talc.

The composition may be applied in a uniform coat. In an alternative, thecomposition is applied along a line delimiting a zone, notably theoutline of the lips.

The composition may be applied in sufficient thickness that the bordercreated on the lips is detectable during the acquisition of thetopography, notably in the case of the use of a 3D scanner incapable ofdetecting color. A composition capable of being applied in sufficientthickness, such as a silicone paste, may be used. An adhesive filamentmay also be applied along the outline of the make-up look that is to beachieved.

Either one of the methods may involve displaying on a screen at leastone model of an application, and potentially selecting a model, thecomposition being applied according to this model.

For preference, a make-up artist is present to advise the user, forexample at a sales outlet or in an institute. The make-up artistadvantageously applies the composition to the user's lips according toher expertise and to suit the face as a whole.

The ideal shape may be dependent on the desired color of the make-up. Inorder to avoid a high number of applications and removals of make-up,when looking for the ideal shape in different colors of make-up, one ormore photographs may be taken of one or more different examples ofmake-up in a given color and then image retouching software can be usedto alter the color in order to check that the result is stillcompatible. If not, the process is started over. The ideal shape mayalso be dependent on the desired finish for the make-up, the skill ofthe individual, their hairstyle, and the lighting in the room. Thesearch may thus be conducted, in the same way, for different desiredmake-up conditions, different skill levels, different hairstyles, and/ordifferent room lightings, in actual conditions or by successivesimulations using image retouching software.

It is also possible to use a first composition to look for the idealoutline, and then use a second composition more suited to zonetopography acquisition, because it behaves better with respect to thestructured light used during topography acquisition, or because it iseasier to apply in sufficient thickness, as described hereinabove. Anadhesive filament may be used to trace the outline of the region coveredwith the first composition and then the topography acquisition isperformed using the filament once the make-up has been removed from thelips. The results obtained with the first composition may be stored bytaking a photograph.

Various tests seeking the ideal shape may be conducted by differentmake-up artists each having their own experience. One artist may makeuse of the work done by a predecessor while at the same time looking forpossible improvements.

The user may also herself apply make-up she deems to be ideal and thenturn to an operator for the topography acquisition aspect. Thus, thetopography acquisition step may be performed at a later date and at alocation other than that at which the ideal shape was researched.

Either one of the methods may involve establishing a remote connectionwith a third party who guides the individual through the application ofthe composition. In an alternative, an electronic assistant guides theuser, notably on a computer or smart phone.

The lips may be made up according to a result validated by theindividual, and then have the make-up removed, a composition more suitedto topography acquisition then being applied to the same outline as theone just validated, so that the 3D scan can be done.

The make-up result obtained after application of the composition isadvantageously validated by the individual before proceeding with theoptical acquisition of the topography of the surface.

Either one of the methods may involve automatically outlining the regioncovered with composition by using image processing. A visual check maythen be made to ensure that this outlining is correct.

Either one of the methods may involve manually identifying points in theimage of the region covered with composition and automaticallydetermining, from these points, an outline used to create the applicatoror the mold.

Applicator Manufacture

A file that can be read by a CNC machine (Computer Numerical Controlmachine) or a 3D printer is advantageously generated and can be stored,notably automatically, for example in the cloud or on a central server,and sent to all user access points, for example sales outlets orinstitutes. The file may be sent to the user. It is also possible tokeep files not adopted, in order to avoid redundant testing.

A translated numerical copy of a surface, possibly a reworked surface,obtained from the 3D scan of the lips, is advantageously created, andthen a smoothed volume of the applicator or of the mold between saidsurface and the translated copy thereof may be generated. In analternative, a smoothed volume of the applicator or of the mold isgenerated between said surface and a standard applicator surface,notably one created by learning from several acquired surfaces.

In a variant, to obtain a volume, a shell function may be used, as theone provided by the Geomagic Wrap 3D toolbox. Such a function creates,from a surface, a volume of constant thickness according to each localnorm. In this case, the outer surface of the applicator is thus nolonger a copy of the functional surface but a mathematical generation ofthe shell function.

The applicator is preferably produced with a handle on the back. Saidhandle may be removable or may attach with a clip.

One or more distinctive signs, such as a make and/or a forename, may beinscribed on the applicator, for example so as to be able to recognisethe make and/or the owner.

The applicator may be produced by machining, preferably bymicro-machining. Advantageously, a preform chosen, notablyautomatically, from among many according to the shape that is to beobtained after machining, is machined. This makes it possible to shortenthe manufacturing time. These preforms may have been made to measure,for example from various mouths, and their face that is to be machinedis advantageously larger than the surface area of the natural lips. Thepreforms may have a verso face already formed, with or without handle,or with or without a system for attaching a handle to it, or with orwithout a system to which to attach a compartment capable of containinga cosmetic product.

The chosen preform may correspond to a countermold produced from animpression of the user's lips. This impression may be made using acurable material. The user's lips are advantageously kept still andclosed during application of the curable material, until the materialhas at least partially solidified.

The edges and the upper surface of the preform, which correspond to theapplication surface of the applicator, are advantageously machined, forexample mechanically, by laser, waterjet, or grinding wheel, accordingto the desired outline determined by the reworked 3D surface. As thisshaping process takes just a few minutes, it becomes possible topurchase the applicator at the sales outlet and leave without having towait. It is thus possible to offer the user several differentapplicators, that the user can test for comparison and select the one orthose he or she prefers.

If the applicator is produced with a handle, a preform that alreadycomprises the handle is advantageously machined. In an alternative, thepreform is machined in such a way as to be able to accept a removablehandle or handle that can be clipped on.

The invention offers, if so desired, the option of reproducing theapplicator remotely, either when traveling having forgotten to bring it,or because it has been lost, or because someone wishes to share theirapplicator with somebody else. All that is required is to send the 3Dfile stored in a computer memory, or have it sent, so that areproduction thereof can be made anywhere.

In an alternative, the applicator or a mold intended for itsmanufacture, is produced by an additive method, notably by 3D printing,possibly from a preform.

The 3D printer may be a filament printer. The 3D printer used mayachieve a precision in Z of 0.5 mm, better 0.1 mm, better still 0.03 mm.

In the case of 3D printing, the printing can be done onto a support orpredetermined objects such as, for example, a preform with or without ahandle, with or without a system for attaching a handle to it, or withor without a compartment capable of containing a cosmetic product.

For preference, the applicator becomes loaded with composition,completely or partially, by being brought into contact with a pad soakedin composition. The pad is advantageously domed on its surface intendedto come into contact with the application surface, so as to adapt to theshape of the applicator. In alternative forms, the applicator is loadedwith composition directly by means of a block of composition,alternatively of a flocked applicator, of a brush or any otherapplication means impregnated with composition.

As an alternative, the applicator is designed to deliver the cosmeticcomposition intended to be applied to the lips, and may comprise areservoir attached on its back. In an alternative, the applicator ismounted on a reservoir at a later time.

The application surface of the applicator may be at least partiallycovered in a flock.

The application surface of the applicator may be configured to apply thecomposition to all or almost all of the lips, in a single gesture, bypressing the applicator against the lips without a shearing movement.

The applicator may be made from a material having a Shore A hardnessgreater than or equal to 30 Shore A, or, better, greater than or equalto 60 Shore A.

The applicator may be made from a material having a Brinell hardnessbelow 600 HB, or, better, below 150 HB.

Sequence of Manufacturing Steps

It is possible to combine, in a single location, the operations ofdefining the outline, acquiring the topography before or afterapplication of the composition, creation of the application surface andmanufacture of the personalized applicator.

In that case, manufacture by micro-machining is particularly well-suitedbecause the manufacturing is thus carried out in a very short space oftime and with very little handling. As a result, not only is the usernot made to wait, but what is more, the risk of confusion when there areseveral users to be served at the same time is avoided.

In an alternative, the operations are performed at several locations,without the user having to travel. For example, the 3D scanning step canbe performed where the user is. The step of defining the ideal outlinecan be performed remotely, somewhere there is a make-up artist toprovide assistance in esthetic choice. In that case, the make-up artistreceives the file of the scan and can offer the user a number of choicesthrough on-screen modeling sent electronically. That offers interactiveadvice making it possible to find the best shape of applicator.

The reworked surface may be created remotely, from the file receivedafter defining the ideal shape, the file containing the informationabout the reworked surface being able to be sent to wherever themanufacturing machine is situated.

Manufacture may be performed remotely, in yet another location, anoperator sending the personalized applicator to the user, either at thelocation at which the first step was performed or to another address,for example directly to the user's home address.

It is also possible to perform several applicator manufacturingoperations, for example one manufacture immediately after the 3D scan orthe optical acquisition, particularly at the location or close to thelocation where the user is, and at the same time or subsequently, one ormore other manufactures in order to provide the availability of spares.The first manufacture is preferably performed by micro-machining, forexample by a low-precision machine. The second manufacture(s) may beperformed by micro-machining or by a 3D printer, particularly at a highproduction rate. The first version of the applicator may be made from abasic-quality material, for example a plastic. The first version of theapplicator may be intended to be used for testing, just for a few days,and then abandoned in favor of the later version(s). The laterversion(s) may be made from a higher-quality material, such as astronger plastic, a metal or a ceramic.

It is also possible to perform certain operations autonomously.

A user who has already created various personalized applicatorsaccording to the invention may create a mean or another combination ofthe various 3D files recorded during various visits in order to create anew applicator.

Lip Outlining Applicator

In an alternative, the application surface of the personalizedapplicator is configured to apply the composition to just a portion ofthe lips, which may correspond to the outline of the lips.

The application surface may reproduce the Cupid's bow of the lips, oreven the entire outline of the lips. In that case, the applicationsurface may be at least partially defined by a filamentary or hollowedpart of the applicator.

In an alternative form, the application surface is solid, the peripheralpart of the application surface, intended for applying make-up to theoutline of the lips, being made from a material capable of being loadedwith composition and different than the material used for creating therest of the application surface. Only the material of the peripheralpart advantageously offers enough adhesion to pick up the product bytamping.

In an alternative, the application surface, with the exception of theperipheral part thereof, is for example coated in flock. In yet anotheralternative form, a silicone is deposited inside the applicationsurface, with the exception of the peripheral part thereof.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects,is an applicator for applying, by transfer, a cosmetic composition tothe lips, comprising an application surface to be pressed against thelips, configured to apply composition only to the periphery of said lipsso as to make-up their outline only.

The application surface may be at least partially defined by afilamentary or hollowed part of the applicator.

In instances in which the application surface is defined by afilamentary part of the applicator, the latter may comprise a centralpart, which may be extended by a handle on the back, and four armsextending from said central part and at their ends and in their middlesupporting the two, upper and lower, parts of the applicator that formthe outline of the upper and lower lips respectively. The upper andlower parts advantageously meet at their ends.

In an alternative form, the application surface is solid, the peripheralpart of the application surface, intended for applying make-up to theoutline of the lips, being made from a material capable of being loadedwith composition and different than the material used for creating therest of the application surface.

In an alternative, the application surface, with the exception of theperipheral part thereof, is coated in flock. In yet another alternativeform, a silicone is deposited inside the application surface, with theexception of the peripheral part thereof. The flock and the siliconethus load the inside of the lips less than the outline.

The shape of the application surface is advantageously being createdfrom a 3D scan of the lips of an individual. The application surface mayreproduce the Cupid's bow of the lips, or even the entire outline of thelips.

The applicator may be configured for simultaneous application of thecomposition to the upper and lower lips.

According to yet another of its aspects, one subject of the invention isa method for manufacturing an applicator for applying, by transfer, acosmetic composition to the lips, comprising an application surface tobe pressed against the lips, configured to apply composition only to theperiphery of said lips so as to make-up their outline only, andcomprising the following steps:

a) performing an optical acquisition comprising a 3D scan and theacquisition of at least one image of at least part of the surface of thelips of an individual, and

b) from at least said optical acquisition, creating at least part of theapplicator comprising the application surface or a mold used for themanufacture thereof, by machining a preform or by additivemanufacturing.

The outline of the application surface may correspond to the naturaloutline of the lips. In an alternative, the outline of the applicationsurface diverges from the natural outline of the lips.

The method may involve creating a reworked outline which differs fromthe natural outline of the scanned lips, notably a different shape ofCupid's bow and/or a different height and/or a different width.

The method may involve a step consisting in giving a user the option tochoose between at least two lip outline make-up results, a surface witha reworked outline being generated at least on the basis of this choice.

The method may involve displaying the natural surface of the scannedlips and/or a make-up result obtained with the applicator and/or thesurface with the reworked outline.

The method may comprise the step involving allowing an operator to modela surface obtained from the 3D scan, and of thus generating the surfacewith the reworked outline. The modeling may be performed from aworkstation to which the data representative of the 3D scan have beentransmitted over a telecommunications network, notably over the Internetor by GSM/GPRS.

The method may comprise detecting asymmetry of the lips and/or the faceand calculating the surface with the reworked outline at least withconsideration to the detected asymmetry.

The method may involve an outlining, preferably automatic, of the lipsfrom said at least one acquired image thereof.

The method may involve determining a plurality of points on the naturaloutline of the lips, notably from said at least one acquired imagethereof, and estimating the natural outline of the lips by interpolationbetween these points.

The method may involve determining a plurality of points on the reworkedoutline, notably from at least one image allowing an operator visuallyto position these points, and generating at least part of the reworkedoutline by interpolation between these points.

A translated numerical copy of a surface obtained from the 3D scan ofthe lips may be created, and then a smoothed volume of the applicator orof the mold between said surface and the translated copy thereof may begenerated.

The applicator may be produced with a handle on the back.

The applicator may be produced by machining. In that case, a preformchosen, notably automatically, from among many according to the shapethat is to be obtained after machining, may be machined.

It is possible to machine a preform that already comprises the handle.

In an alternative, the applicator or the mold intended for itsmanufacture is produced by an additive method, notably by 3D printing.

The method may involve displaying at least a portion of the face of theindividual with a simulation of the lip outline make-up such as can beobtained with the applicator.

The 3D scan may be preceded by the application to the lips of acomposition according to a defined outline. This outline may correspondto the natural outline of the lips. In an alternative, this outlinecorresponds to that of the application surface that is to be created.

Method for Cosmetically Treating the Lips

A further subject of the invention is a method for cosmetically treatingthe lips, notably applying make-up thereto, involving the application ofa cosmetic composition to the lips using a personalized applicator forapplying a cosmetic composition to the lips, obtained using one or otherof the methods defined hereinabove.

The applicator preferably becomes loaded with composition by beingbrought into contact with a pad soaked in composition.

The composition may be self-expanding and may, as it expands, fill thespace left between the application surface and the lips, when theapplicator is applied to the lips in the normal way. That makes itpossible to obtain clean outlines since the product, as it develops, iscontained and cannot overspill.

In an alternative, the applicator is heated and loaded with compositionby being brought into contact with a compact of composition, notablymade of wax. That makes it possible to use wax-based lip colors ratherthan liquid products. On first use, the applicator serves to mold theimpression of the lips into the compact, thereby shaping the compositioncompact to the shape of the lips, and is used thereafter to pick up alayer of lipstick that has been rendered liquid.

In yet another alternative form, the composition is adhesive, the methodfurther comprising the application to the adhesive composition appliedto the lips of a second cosmetic composition, notably in powder form.

The composition may be transparent. The applicator makes it easier toapply such a composition to the desired points, in spite of the factthat it is not very visible on account of its transparency.

Method for Applying Make-Up to Outline the Lips

Yet another subject of the invention is a method for applying make-up tothe lips, in which method the outline of the lips is defined using anapplicator, as defined hereinabove, comprising an application surface tobe pressed against the lips, configured to apply the composition only attheir periphery so as to apply make-up to their outline only, by loadingthe application surface with composition and pressing it against thelips.

Such an applicator may or may not be personalized. It allows the lips tobe outlined with make-up quickly and accurately in a single gesture bypressing the applicator against the lips.

The applicator may be loaded with composition by bringing it intocontact with a pad soaked in composition, notably made of foam.

The applicator may be heated and loaded with composition by beingbrought into contact with a composition compact.

The space inside the outline may be filled with a liquid, pasty or solidcosmetic composition. The cosmetic composition may be the same color asthe drawn outline. The cosmetic composition may be applied by moving ablock of product over the lips. In an alternative form, the liquidcosmetic composition is applied with an applicator of the brush orflocked type, or by using a tube with an angled end, or an applicatorcomprising a ball for application. In yet another alternative form, thecosmetic composition is pasty, notably being contained in a pallet, andmay be applied with a brush or with a finger.

In an alternative form, the composition applied inside the outline isdifferent in color from the outline and applied by transfer.

The application surface used to define the outline has preferably beenobtained from a 3D scan of the lips of the individual. Likewise, thesurface used for applying the composition by transfer inside the contourhas preferably been obtained from a 3D scan of the lips of theindividual.

If appropriate, an applicator part comprising an application surfaceconfigured to apply the composition only to the periphery of the lips soas to outline them in make-up only, and an insert that has a surfaceused to apply composition by transfer inside the outline and which hasbeen obtained from a 3D scan of the lips of the individual can be fittedtogether. The applicator obtained can then be pressed onto the lips. Theinsert may be loaded with a different composition than the applicatorpart used for doing the outline. That makes it easier to achieve atwo-product make-up application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be better understood from reading the followingdetailed description of nonlimiting embodiments thereof and fromstudying the attached drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of various steps of an example of a method formanufacturing a personalized applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates parameters that can be modified during the definitionof a reworked outline of the lips according to the invention,

FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate various examples of the acquisition of thetopography of the surface of the lips after application of acomposition,

FIG. 7 illustrates the creation of a spline outlining curve,

FIG. 8 depicts one example of the creation of a reworked surface,

FIG. 9 illustrates the creation of a smoothed volume for the applicatorusing the surface of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 illustrates the computer simulation of a personalizedapplicator,

FIG. 11 illustrates an applicator produced according to the inventionusing machining,

FIG. 12 depicts one example of a preform for using micro-machining tocreate an applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative form of applicator produced by 3Dprinting,

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict views in vertical and partial section, on amidplane, of alternative forms of applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 15 depicts an alternative form of applicator comprising a productreservoir,

FIG. 16 depicts a pad impregnated with composition intended to load anapplicator according to the invention,

FIG. 17 depicts a box containing a personalized applicator according tothe invention,

FIGS. 18 and 19 depict alternative forms of applicator according to theinvention, in which the application surface is configured to apply thecomposition only to their periphery, so as to outline the lips withmake-up only,

FIGS. 20A and 20D depict views in vertical and partial section, on amidplane, of alternative forms of applicator according to the invention,for outlining the lips with make-up only,

FIG. 21 shows examples of results of the application of make-up to theoutline of the lips using applicators according to the invention whichoutline the lips with make-up only,

FIG. 22 depicts photographs of lip make-ups achieved with and without anapplicator according to the invention,

FIGS. 23 to 27 illustrate lip make-ups achieved with applicatorsaccording to the invention and adhesive compositions, and

FIG. 28 illustrates one example of the sequence of steps in a method formanufacturing a personalized applicator according to the invention.

Various steps in an example of a method, according to the invention, formanufacturing a personalized applicator 1 for applying a cosmeticcomposition to the lips are depicted in FIG. 1 and will be described indetail in what follows.

During a step 11, a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of thesurface of the lips of the user is taken using a 3D scanner 31, forexample an Artec 3D “Spider” color scanner. Prior to this step 11, acomposition may have been applied to at least part of the user's lips,as detailed later on. The 3D scan may include the lips and at least partof the skin around the lips.

During a step 12, a 3D surface is generated from the scan obtained instep 11, for example using 3D software of the Geomagic's Wrap type, andrecorded in a file that can be read by a CNC machine, notably amicro-machining machine 35 or by a 3D printer 32. The file isadvantageously stored in memory and may be sent to all the user accesspoints, for example sales outlets or institutes, and sent to the user.

The 3D surface generated can be reworked and may be different than thenatural surface of the lips.

An outlining, preferably automatic, of the lips on the basis of at leastone image thereof may be performed in a step 13.

During a step 14, a translated numerical copy Ct₂ of the surface Im₂obtained from the 3D scan of the lips is created, and then a smoothedvolume V of the applicator or of the mold used for its manufacturebetween said surface Im₂ and the translated copy Ct₂ thereof isgenerated, as depicted in FIGS. 9 (a) and (b).

During a step 15, the personalized applicator is produced by 3D printingor by machining from the file of the 3D surface.

In order to create an applicator that makes it possible to achievemake-up perfectly suited to the face shape of the user, an outline whichdiffers from the natural outline of the scanned lips may be generated.

The outline of the application surface 2 of the applicator 1 may thusdiverge from the natural outline of the lips. As visible in FIG. 2,numerous parameters may be modified when defining the reworked outlineof the lips, for example the shape of the Cupid's bow and/or a differentheight for one and/or other of the upper and lower lips, and/or adifferent width. An asymmetry of the lips and/or the face may bedetected, the reworked outline advantageously taking this intoconsideration, for example in order to re-establish the appearance ofsymmetry in the made up lips.

In order to assist with defining the ideal outline and be able moreeasily to capture the outline of the relevant region, a composition thatmodifies their appearance may be applied to at least part of the user'slips.

In the example of FIG. 3, a red lipstick has been applied, in a uniformcoat, to at least part of the lips and to the skin around the lips of auser, before the 3D scan. This lipstick has advantageously been appliedin such a way as to redefine the outline of the lips in the way chosenby the user. Because this lipstick exhibits a pronounced difference incolor compared with the rest of the face, the outline of the region towhich the composition is applied is readily recognized by the 3D scanner31. The composition may be applied differently from a uniform coat, forexample along a line defining the outline of the lips. FIG. 3(b) showsthe 3D acquisition of the surface thus covered with the lipstick.

In the alternative form in FIG. 4, a silicone paste has been appliedover a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm That makes it possible, as seenin FIG. 4(b), for a 3D scanner unable to detect color, for example aGeomagic “Capture” 3D scanner, to make the acquisition of the outline ofthe region to which the composition has been applied.

In the alternative form of FIG. 5, a red or white lipstick has been usedto look for the ideal shape of outline. In order for a 3D scanner unableto detect color to perform the acquisition, an adhesive filament, forexample with a diameter equal to 0.5 mm, has been used along the outlinedefined by the lipstick. The make-up has then been removed from the lipsin order to perform the 3D scan.

In the alternative form of FIG. 6, a white lipstick has been applied, ina uniform coat. Because the white lipstick exhibits a pronounceddifference in color compared with the rest of the face, the outline ofthe region to which the composition is applied is readily recognized bythe 3D scanner 31, as visible in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

An automatic outlining of the lips from an image thereof can beproduced, it being possible to generate a “spline”, having numerouscontrol points, for example more than twenty or so, as illustrated inFIG. 7.

It is possible to use image processing to isolate the regions from whichto produce the applicator. Thus, FIG. 8 illustrates the captured regionafter the region outside the outlined outline has been eliminated, thiscorresponding to an image Im₂ of the application surface 2 of theapplicator 1 that is in the process of being produced.

FIG. 10 is a computer simulation of a personalized applicator accordingto the invention, after the creation of the volume visible in FIG. 9(b).In this example, a distinctive sign S_(d) corresponding to the user'sforename is inscribed on the applicator.

In the example of FIG. 11, the personalized applicator 1 according tothe invention, comprising a handle 4, has been manufactured bymicro-machining, as described previously, on the basis of the surfacedefined in step 12. The user obtains her applicator for example between5 and 15 minutes after the start of the operation and can use itimmediately.

An example of a preform 20 used for creating the applicator 1 bymicro-machining is depicted in FIG. 12. This preform has an upper cavity34 corresponding to the upper lip, and a lower cavity 33 correspondingto the lower lip. This preform 20 can be chosen, notably automatically,from among many according to the shape that is to be obtained aftermachining. In this case, a computer program may indicate the preformbest suited to the end result, for example which requires the leastremoval of material. The preform 20 can be machined by any techniquethat is compatible with the material used.

In the alternative form of FIG. 13, the personalized applicator 1 hasbeen manufactured by 3D printing on the basis of the surface defined instep 12, using for example a 3D printer 32 of the Ultimaker 3 type,loaded with an ABS filament. The user obtains her applicatorapproximately between 2 and 4 hours after the start of the operation andcan use it, after first cleaning it.

FIG. 14A depicts the applicator of FIG. 13 viewed in vertical andpartial section on a plane corresponding to the vertical midplane of themouth. The application surface 2 which conforms to the shape of the lipsis visible.

In the alternative form of FIG. 14B, a space E has been left between theapplication surface 2 and the scanned lips, indicated in dotted line.The reworked surface departs from the natural surface of the lips on theinside of the outline thereof, when the applicator is pressed onto thelips in the normal way. The applicator 1 can be used with aself-expanding composition which, as it expands, fills the space E leftbetween the application surface 2 and the lips.

In the example of FIG. 13, the applicator 1 comprises a handle 4 on theback. It is intended to be brought into contact with a domed padimpregnated with composition, for example made of foam, as visible inFIG. 16, which readily adapts to the shape of the applicator. In thealternative form of FIG. 17, the personalized applicator 1 according tothe invention and a pad 7 impregnated with composition are offered in abox 8, for example including a mirror 9.

In an alternative form which has not been illustrated, the applicator 1is heated and loaded with composition by being brought into contact witha compact of composition.

In the alternative form of FIG. 15, the applicator 1 has been producedin such a way that it can be mounted on a reservoir 6 containing themake-up product. The reservoir 6 is, for example, a flexible tube.However, the invention is not limited to one particular type ofapplicator or of reservoir or pad.

In the alternative form illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20A, a personalizedapplicator 10 according to the invention, manufactured as describedhereinabove, has an application surface 2 configured for applying thecomposition only to the periphery of the lips so as to make up theiroutline only. In the example concerned, the application surface 2 isdefined by a filamentary part of the applicator 10. In this example, theapplicator 10 comprises a central part 10 a, extended by the handle 4,and four arms 17 extending from said central part 10 a and at their endsand in their middle supporting the upper and lower parts 18, 19 of theapplicator 10 that form the outline of the upper and lower lipsrespectively. The upper and lower parts 18, 19 meet at their ends.

In the alternative form of FIGS. 19 and 20B, the application surface 2is defined by a hollowed part 5 of the applicator 10.

In the alternative form of FIG. 20C, the application surface 2 is solid,the application surface 2, with the exception of the peripheral part 2 athereof, is coated in flock.

In the alternative form of FIG. 20D, the applicator 10 is made of twomaterials: the peripheral part 2 a of the solid application surface 2,which is intended for making up the outline of the lips, is made from amaterial capable of becoming loaded with composition, the inside 2 b ofthe application surface 2 being made from a different material less, oreven not at all, able to become loaded with composition.

The outlines of these applicators 10 may be produced to follow the exactshape of the mouth or to follow a redefined shape, as explainedhereinabove.

FIG. 21(a) shows a result of the use of a filamentary personalizedapplicator 10 for making up the outline of the lips. FIG. 21(b) shows aresult of the use of a hollowed personalized applicator 10. In these twoexamples, the user has outlined the outline of her lips using theapplicator 10 by loading the application surface 2 using a padimpregnated with composition and pressing it against her lips. Theoutlines are very clean and very attractive. In an alternative formwhich is not illustrated, the space inside the outline is filled with acosmetic composition of the same color as or of a different color thanthe one used for the outline. The applicator used for doing this isadvantageously a personalized applicator 1 according to the invention,or a stick of lipstick according to the prior art.

A comparison between the lip make-up results obtained with a lipstickapplicator of the prior art, for example of the stick of lipstick type,and with a personalized applicator 1 according to the invention, isdepicted in FIG. 22. The make-up obtained with the personalizedapplicator 1, visible on the right, is of high quality, the outlines arevery clean and very attractive. The lips appear to have been remodeledand appear more plump. Subtle changes in lip outline, at millimeterscale, are enough to make a very pronounced change to the look of thelips and improve the overall harmony of the face.

In the example of FIG. 23, a first composition, a glucose syrup, forexample made by Scrap Cooking, has been applied to the applicationsurface 2 of an applicator 1 according to the invention, the applicator1 then being used to apply to the lips of a user. A second composition,nonpareil sugar balls, Silikomart Mini Wonder Pearls made by WonderCakes in this example, are applied with a brush to the lips thus coatedwith the first composition.

In the example of FIG. 24, a glucose syrup is once again applied to theuser's lips using an applicator 1 according to the invention. A secondcomposition, an edible irridescent blue powder made by Scrap Cooking inthis example, is applied with a brush to the lips thus coated with thefirst composition.

In the example of FIG. 25, a first composition, a matte liquid lipstickin a first color, is applied exclusively to the outline of the lipsusing an applicator 10 according to the invention, then a secondcomposition, a matte liquid lipstick of a second color, different thanthe first, lighter in the example considered, is applied to the entiretyof the lips using an applicator 1 according to the invention loaded withcomposition by a pad 7 impregnated with said second composition.

In the example of FIG. 26, a first composition, a solid greasy redlipstick, has been applied by brush to the application surface 2 of anapplicator 1 according to the invention, the applicator 1 then beingused to apply to the lips of a user. Edible gold glitter, made by ScrapCooking in this example, is applied with a brush to the lips thus coatedwith the first composition.

In the example of FIG. 27, an adhesive composition, such as Pros-AidAdhesive by ADM Tronic, is applied to an applicator 10 according to theinvention and is then applied exclusively to the outline of the lips.Edible gold leaf is then applied with a brush to the outline thus coatedwith the adhesive composition, as visible in FIG. 27(b). A secondcomposition, a matte liquid lipstick in the example considered, isapplied to the entirety of the lips using an applicator 1 according tothe invention loaded with composition by a pad 7 impregnated with saidsecond composition.

Personalized applicators according to the invention allow uniformresults to be obtained very quickly after just a few attempts.

Various examples of implementations methods for manufacturing apersonalized applicator according to the invention will now bedescribed.

Example 1

In a first example illustrated in FIG. 28, a user desirous of apersonalized applicator goes to a sales outlet or to an institute wherethere is a make-up artist who guides her through the creation of herapplicator. The make-up artist applies a red lipstick to the user'slips, looking for the ideal shape of the lip outline, and defines thelip outline that best suits the individual, for example in terms of theoverall harmony of the face, making successive small adjustments untilshe is satisfied. A 3D scan of the topography of the surface of the lipsthus covered in composition is then made using a color 3D scanner 31. A3D surface and the volume of the applicator are generated from theresult of the scan, with the outline defined by the make-up artist, asdescribed hereinabove, and a micro-machining tool 35 is used tomanufacture the applicator 1, an example of which is depicted in FIG.11.

Example 2

This example is identical to the preceding example except that themake-up artist operates at a different location than the location atwhich the 3D scan will be performed, the make-up artist having, forexample visited the user at home, or the user having visited the make-upartist's salon. The user then goes to a sales outlet where the 3Dacquisition and the manufacture of the applicator are performed by anoperator.

Example 3

In this example, after the make-up artist has found the ideal shape forthe outline of the lips by applying a composition and taking a 3D scanof the topography, the user leaves the location where that has beenperformed, with her lips thus made-up, and takes advantage of this togather opinions from those around her. She then sends the make-up artistthe order either to make the applicator, or not do so. In theaffirmative, the make-up artist sends the corresponding 3D file to thechosen location and an operator creates the applicator. Alternatively,the user may rely upon the opinion of those around her to get themake-up artist to make changes.

Example 4

In this example, the step of determining the ideal shape is performed byestablishing a remote connection with a third party guiding theindividual, for example on her computer. No composition is applied tothe lips beforehand, and the search for the ideal outline is performedusing software on the 3D scan of the lips. The user may be given theoption to choose between several make-up results. The reworked surfaceis generated from this choice, and the applicator is then created using3D printing. The user may choose the location at which the applicator iscreated and go there to collect it. It may also be sent to her at home.

Example 5

In this example, an electronic assistant guides the user on her smartphone, to create the ideal outline. The individual applies a compositionto her lips before the 3D scan. The applicator 10 is produced bymicro-machining with a filamentary structure and has an applicationsurface 2 configured for applying the composition to the periphery ofthe lips only, so as to make-up their outline only, as visible in FIG.18.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodimentsthat have just been described.

The personalized applicators manufactured according to the invention maybe configured to apply a cosmetic composition to an area of keratinousmaterialsother than the lips, for example the eyelids.

1. A method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for applying acosmetic composition to the lips, this applicator comprising anapplication surface made from a material that can become loaded withcomposition, the method comprising the following steps: a) performing a3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips,and b) from at least said scan, creating at least part of the applicatoror a mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or byadditive manufacturing.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, the outlineof the application surface corresponding to the natural outline of thelips.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, the outline of theapplication surface diverging from the natural outline of the lips. 4.The method as claimed in claim 3, involving creating an outline whichdiffers from the natural outline of the scanned lips, notably adifferent shape of Cupid's bow and/or a different height and/or adifferent width.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising thegeneration of a reworked 3D surface different than the natural surfaceof the lips, the applicator or the mold used for its manufacture havinga shape given at least in part by this reworked surface.
 6. The methodas claimed in claim 5, the reworked surface diverging from the naturalsurface of the lips inside the outline thereof, in order to leave aspace between the application surface and the scanned lips when theapplicator is applied to the lips in the normal way.
 7. The method asclaimed in claim 5 without dependency on claim 2, the reworked surfacecoinciding with the natural surface of the lips resulting from the scan,apart from its outline which differs from the natural outline of thescanned lips.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 5, comprising a stepinvolving giving the user an option to choose between at least twomake-up results, the reworked surface being generated at least on thebasis of this choice.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 5, involvingdisplaying the natural surface of the scanned lips and/or a make-upresult obtained with the applicator and/or the reworked surface.
 10. Themethod as claimed in claim 5, involving the step of allowing an operatorto model a surface obtained from the 3D scan, notably the outlinethereof, and thus generate the reworked surface.
 11. The method asclaimed in claim 10, the modeling being performed remotely usingsoftware from a workstation to which the data representative of the 3Dscan have been transmitted over a telecommunications network, notablyover the Internet or by GSM/GPRS.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 5,comprising the detection, notably automatically using software, ofasymmetry of the lips and/or the face; the calculation of the reworkedsurface being performed, preferably automatically, at least withconsideration to the detected asymmetry.
 13. The method as claimed inclaim 1, involving an outlining, preferably automatic, of the lips fromat least one image thereof.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 1,involving determining a plurality of points on the natural outline ofthe lips, notably from at least one image thereof, and estimating thenatural outline of the lips by interpolation between these points. 15.The method as claimed in claim 1, involving determining a plurality ofpoints on the outline of the reworked surface, notably from at least oneimage allowing an operator visually to position these points, andgenerating at least part of the outline of the reworked surface byinterpolation between these points.
 16. The method as claimed in claim1, in which a translated numerical copy of a surface obtained from the3D scan of the lips is created, and then a smoothed volume of theapplicator or of the mold between said surface and the translated copythereof is generated.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 1, in which theapplicator is produced with a handle on the back.
 18. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator is produced by machining. 19.The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein a preform chosen, notablyautomatically, from among many according to the shape that is to beobtained after machining, is machined.
 20. The method as claimed inclaim 17, wherein a preform already comprising the handle is machined.21. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator or the moldintended for its manufacture is produced by an additive method, notablyby 3D printing.
 22. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein theapplication surface is at least partially covered in flock.
 23. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, involving displaying at least a portion ofthe face of the individual with a simulation of the lip make-up such ascan be obtained with the personalized applicator.
 24. The method asclaimed in claim 1, the 3D scan being preceded by the application of acomposition to the lips according to a defined outline.
 25. The methodas claimed in claim 24, said outline corresponding to the naturaloutline of the lips.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 24, said outlinecorresponding to that of the application surface that is to be created.27. The method as claimed in claim 1, the application surface of theapplicator being configured to apply the composition to all or almostall of the lips.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 1, the applicationsurface of the applicator being configured to apply the composition tojust a portion of the lips.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 28, saidportion corresponding to the outline of the lips.
 30. The method asclaimed in claim 1, the scan of the topography of the lips including thescan of a region of skin extending around the mouth, and preferablyexcluding the scan of other regions of the face, such as the nose, thecheeks, the eyes or the forehead.
 31. A method for the cosmetictreatment of the lips, notably for applying make-up to same, involvingapplying a cosmetic composition to the lips using an applicator obtainedby the method as claimed in claim
 1. 32. The method as claimed in claim31, the applicator becoming loaded with composition by being broughtinto contact with a pad soaked in composition.
 33. The method as claimedin claim 6, the composition being self-expanding and filling said spaceas it expands.
 34. The method as claimed in claim 31, the applicatorbeing heated and becoming loaded with composition by being brought intocontact with a block of composition.
 35. The method as claimed in claim31, the composition being adhesive, the method further comprising theapplication to the adhesive composition applied to the lips of a secondcosmetic composition, notably in powder form.
 36. The method as claimedin claim 31, the composition being transparent.